From the field – Rwanda, Sénégal and the Gambia

Category Archives: 2014-09 September

It’s been a while since I last posted a blog. Lots of happened since: started a PhD, living and working in a new place and meeting new people, and learning and training to become a researcher. I am about to begin my fieldwork in Rwanda once more. Like I have done before, through this blog, I plan to share with you “what it’s like to be and to work” in the field. (feel free to comment) Things rarely go smoothly in the field, and you have to “hustle” to get your research work done. I’ve been fortunate in my previous fieldwork but how will it be this time? Well, we’ll find out!

23 September 2014, UK –

Today was my research outline seminar. It’s been already a full year since I started my PhD research at IDS (Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex). The research outline seminar (ROS) is where I get to share with other research fellows and colleagues why my proposed study is a worthwhile endeavour, what are the research questions and how I plan to answer these questions in the field. After an half-an-hour presentation, I was privileged to hear many constructive feedback and comments from research fellows and colleagues.

What’s next? I need to address the points raised during the ROS and have a more detailed blueprint of my research plan: selection of research questions, methods, and data instruments; relevance and feasibility of fieldwork sites and local stay arrangements; and research approval application and visa. Well, the fieldwork has already begun…c’est parti!